New to Cannabis? What You Need to Know About Laws

Update, January 22: Today Vermont’s governor signed into law a cannabis legalization bill that will go into effect on July 1, 2018, making Vermont the ninth state to legalize, the first to do so through their legislature, and the first to do so without a mandate to tax and regulate marijuana (Vermont will allow homegrow, possession, and consumption but not the retail sale of cannabis).

Are you confused about marijuana laws? State-by-state legalization means that folks who wouldn’t have considered it before now have the opportunity to sample this plant. It also means we’re a nation of patchwork, often conflicting, policies when it comes to cannabis. If you’re a new or returning consumer, the complicated nature of state regulations might be enough to keep you from testing the water. But you don’t have to let it!

Splimm’s got a quick guide to pot laws in all of the United States. Whether you live in a place that’s just changed its marijuana status or might be visiting one, you’ll have a sense of what to expect and how to follow the rules.

ADULT USE LAWS

Legal States

In eight great states plus our nation’s capital, cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older. Of course, each state has its own regulations regarding retail sales, how much one can purchase, whether or not you can grow at home, driving, public consumption, and other issues. so we’ve also provided links for more information.

Generally speaking, in the following states you can purchase, consume in private, and cultivate limited amounts of cannabis if you’re a grownup (exceptions noted):

No Jail Time for Possession of Small Amounts

Several states have decriminalized cannabis, meaning there’s no penalty of jail time if you’re caught with a small amount. You still can’t legally purchase or consume cannabis recreationally, but most of these states do have MMJ programs.

Connecticut

Delaware

Illinois

Maryland

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

New Hampshire

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Rhode Island

Vermont

MEDICAL CANNABIS LAWS

Medical Marijuana States

Twenty-two states (in addition to the above) have legalized medical marijuana in some capacity. The states’ laws differ when it comes to how cannabis may be procured, qualifying conditions, reciprocity with other states, etc. Most medical cannabis states have dispensaries where patients can purchase medicine or are in the process of licensing and opening them. We recommend consulting Americans for Safe Access for the most up-to-date information about federal and state medical cannabis laws. You can also find resources to help you get a medical marijuana card in your state.

Arizona

Arkansas

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Hawaii

Illinois

Louisiana

Maryland

Michigan

Minnesota

Montana

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Dakota

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Vermont

West Virginia

Medical marijuana is legal in Puerto Rico and in Guam too.

CBD-only States

In 16 states, cannabis is still illegal, but cannabidiol oil (CBD) is allowed for some medical purposes. You can’t legally purchase or grow medical or recreational marijuana in these states, which often leaves patients without any recourse but to break the law to access CBD.

Alabama

Georgia

Indiana

Iowa

Kentucky

Mississippi

Missouri

North Carolina

Oklahoma

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

LIVING IN THE DARK AGES

No Decrim, MMJ, or CBD

These final three have the dubious distinction of not reducing sentences for cannabis or allowing medical marijuana or even CBD. Weed is a crime in these states, period.

Jenn Lauder is a media maker, content creator, community builder, and marketing strategist in the cannabis space. Cofounder of Splimm, the world’s first pot and parenting newsletter, she has a decade of experience as a progressive, anti-bias educator in independent and public schools and spent five years at nonprofits offering services and advocacy for children and families. Jenn is half of the founding team of Weekend Review Kit, a cannabis review and lifestyle site; has written for numerous print and online media outlets; led a license-winning application for Maryland's medical cannabis program; and directs marketing and advocacy efforts for an herbal products company. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wesleyan University and attended graduate school at Harvard University and Goddard College. Of Jenn’s many jobs, her favorite is being a mama to her nine-year-old daughter.